Discover the fascinating world of Native American folklore, respect for nature and a sense of family, community and caring for the land. Marty Hight shares her stories about beliefs held deeply sacred and get an inside look at how the Native Americans world changed as their land was taken and they were forced to march to a new and strange land. Or, learn how to craft corn husk dolls and hear the story about her creation. Marty invites your students to help illustrate her stories, demonstrate dances and celebrates their special gifts. In this school assembly, history comes alive as stories told for centuries are shared in an engaging way to impart character lessons and tribal history. It’s ideal for Grades K-6. TOPICS INCLUDE: HISTORY • CULTURE • STORYTELLING • SINGING • NATURE • TRADITIONS • DIVERSITY • LANGUAGE • CRAFTS • AND MORE! Marty Hight (Ma-ha-gum-se / Shawnee) is a Native American who has a Cherokee and Shawnee heritage. She is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma who draws from family history and storytelling to share her people’s history, language, songs, customs, rituals and legends through vivid narratives. Reach out today to learn how you can join in the excitement when you host Marty Hight!

Cosmic Images Across the Spectrum: Teachers of the local district's schools will be given a workshop on how to use Astronomy as an Interdisciplinary Approach to Education. Training will include the use of NASA's MicroObservatory (MO) taking images and using the image processing software so they can, in turn, teach their students to do the same, and then create thematic units that utilize the talents of students in various disciplines and using alternative assessment strategies such as rubrics and portfolios. Art students can paint or draw a particular object from MO, Math students pinpoint size & scale, distance and celestial coordinates, English students use creative writing or poetry to describe the object, History, Social Studies and Foreign Language students form a timeline of the U.S. vs. other countries in discovery, impact and understanding of what was happening at the time, such as French influence from Charles Messier, and Science students explore the physics and chemistry data of the object recorded from telescopes and spectroscopy. Information for each object from all disciplines will be compiled onto a page or "block" and submitted to be added to a "Cosmic Quilt." Color poster-sized printouts of all blocks submitted can be assembled together for the physical Cosmic Quilt and put on display as an exhibit for all to see at the school. All the contributors' names and input will be recognized at the exhibit.

At the Utica Zoo, we are able to offer a variety of educational experiences both at the zoo itself and at Beaversprite, our conservation education center. Firstly, we offer field trips at both sites. Field trips to the zoo can be self-guided or fully educator led and can include a zoo introduction or curated conservation class tailored to the groups learning objectives. Beaversprite trips are all educator led and include exploration of the visitor center and guided hikes of the pristine 1300-acre wetland property. We additionally offer zoo outreach programs in a variety of styles, in which we aim to bring the zoo to you. For our outreach "Zoomobile" programs, we typically bring between three to five live ambassador animals and give a presentation on their biology, ecology, and conservation status and challenges. We also offer more heavily conservation focused programs, stressing issues like climate change, habitat loss, or invasive species. For these programs we bring fewer live animals but will bring a customizable PowerPoint presentation on the topic of choice and/or a guided activity that encourages active engagement by the students.

David Gonzalez, PhD. has had a long life of creating content and performing for young audiences. He has a YouTube channel on which you can explore featuring his many offerings for kids K-12 and covering a number of topics. He has a show titled " Finding North" about the underground railroad, and the present day migrant issues. Aesop Bops! is for the youngest, Cuentos: Tales from the LatinX World is for grades 2-5 in which he offers some bi-lingual interactions with the students, Maddog and Me: Bullying and the Power of Kindness is for middle schoolers. David also creates performances for general audiences. Please contact manager Sandra Peevers for more information, video links, etc. and to discuss availability and fee. David tours countrywide, so identifying your dates early is recommended. David also offers Teacher Development courses as well as workshops for kids. DAVID GONZALEZ - BIOGRAPHY Storyteller/musician/poet/playwright David Gonzalez, Ph.D received the Lifetime Achievement Award from International Performing Arts for Youth, and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his original production of “The Frog Bride” at Broadway’s New Victory Theater. Mr. Gonzalez was named a Fellow of the Joseph Campbell Foundation and was the host of New York Kids on WNYC for eight seasons. He wrote Rise for Freedom!, an opera libretto commissioned and produced by the Cincinnati Opera, and Mariel, an Afro-Cuban musical which won the Macy’s “New Play Prize for Young Audiences”. Mr. Gonzalez' poetry has been featured at Lincoln Center's Out-of-Doors Festival, Bill Moyers' documentary Fooling with Words on PBS, and NPR's All Things Considered. His performance poem, Oh Hudson, was commissioned by the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center to commemorate the Quadri-centennial of Henry Hudson’s exploration. He is the author of numerous plays and one-man shows including: The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures, Aesop Bops!, Double Crossed: The Saga of the St. Louis, As If The Past Were Listening, MytholoJazz, Maddog and Me, Wounded Splendor, Finding North, City of Dreams, Sofrito!, The Carnival of the Animals, The Man of the House, and Sleeping Beauty which have been presented at many of the best performing arts centers, theaters, and festivals in the US and abroad. David was a featured performer at the National Storytelling Festival and received his doctorate from New York University's School of Education. Mr. Gonzalez is bi-lingual and is the Artistic Director for the Crisalida Communications, a company that consults on arts outreach to theaters and community organizations. For schools, David's main shows are: Aesop Bops!, Cuentos: Tales from the LatinX World, Maddog and Me: Bullying and the Power of Kindness, and Finding North.

The Arts Engagement and Education Department serves as a vital bridge between artistic expression and community involvement. Rooted in the belief that art is transformative and essential for personal and societal growth, the department is dedicated to fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and promoting cultural understanding through various educational and engagement initiatives. Our mission is to enrich lives and strengthen communities through the power of the arts. By providing accessible and inclusive arts education, innovative programs, and meaningful community engagements, we aim to inspire creativity, cultivate diverse talents, and foster a deep appreciation for the arts. We offer many programs such as Junior Theatre Celebration, On School Time performances, a high school musical theatre awards program, residencies, 4 theatre camps, and more.

LOOKING FOR FIELD TRIP IDEAS FOR YOUR CLASS? Visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and experience a globally rare habitat minutes from downtown Albany and Schenectady! LET YOUR SENSE OF WONDER GROW IN THE ALBANY PINE BUSH PRESERVE At the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, students explore real-world phenomena and learn through inquiry-based investigations. • We offer programs for grades pre-k through high school, homeschool groups, colleges, Scouting groups and other special interest groups. • Visit the Discovery Center, a one-of-a-kind interpretive center with interactive exhibits, demonstration gardens, accessible outdoor Discovery Trail and more. • For information on program logistics, fees and resources visit AlbanyPineBush.org • Bus funding available through the Friends of the Pine Bush Community Ticket to Ride grant. Details at PineBushFriends.org • In-classroom teacher kits are available for loan at no cost. School Group Volunteer Opportunities We also offer community service opportunities for classes to complete in the preserve including: invasive species removal, seed collection and trash pick-up. For more info visit www.albanypinebush.org/schools or call 518-456-0655

After retiring from teaching at the elementary level for 25 years, I decided I still wanted to teach. So, my love for nature and children led me in the direction of writing fictional animal based stories based on facts. I offer school wide readings, as well as class presentations. Depending on the program requested, I also offer activities (crafts and games) as well as some science based videos to aid in the presentation. Book signings are always provided for books purchased before or during the special book talk day. Books are: The Flamingo With Two Left Feet Amari’s BIG Surprise…It’s NOT Monkey Bread! We Can...and We Do!

Fun and learning go hand-in-hand when you book a fall field trip to Ellms Family Farm. Pick pumpkins, explore a maze, attend the educational “chicken show”, and so much more. Students from pre-k and elementary school, all the way through sixth grade, enjoy the mix of agricultural learning experiences and old-fashioned barnyard fun.

The Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in our schools and throughout our community. By offering free and discounted performances for students, outreach opportunities with artists and masterclasses, we help to leverage our creative assets to make a difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages. Unison: Student & Families Membership Program The Music Hall is committed to welcoming all people into our performance space to enjoy the arts. The Unison Student & Families Program is designed to bring all members of the community together to enjoy the varied musical performances we present throughout the season by providing free seats to qualifying students and families. Learn more about the Unison Program here. School and District Partnerships The Music Hall works with teaching artists throughout the community to bring hundreds of arts enrichment, interactive programming into schools each year. The Music Hall is committed to integrating the arts into academic curricula, and works to design workshops that best serve our partnering educators in the classroom. Arts-Integrated Learning Approach The Music Hall values student engagement in a creative process that connects the arts to their academic studies. We provide a wide variety of arts programming to create inclusive and responsive learning opportunities in schools and at our venue. Artist Masterclasses and Workshops We strive to provide as many opportunities as possible for students of all ages to work with local and world-renowned artists. Students cultivate their skills and build valuable artistic experiences through the varied workshops and classes we offer each year. Connecting the Arts to the Classroom The Arts Matter! Live performances and interactive learning experiences give students the opportunity to be inspired, to create, and reflect. These fundamental experiences enrich students' academic studies; to equip students with the foundations for achievement both inside and outside the classroom by developing their creative capacity, thinking skills, and knowledge essential for lifelong success. Our Educational Performance Series, workshops, and matinee shows connect with classroom Academic Standards to allow educators the opportunity for scaffolding the student learning process. Teaching Artist Workshops: The Music Hall values the support of students and educators in our community by providing performing arts learning opportunities. Our exclusive Teaching Artist programs feature local artists and various arts organizations who, in collaboration with the Music Hall, work to provide artistic enrichment to teach and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts. By providing varied educational programming to the Capital Region, we strive to inspire meaningful learning, interactive exploration of the arts, and memorable experiences for students of all ages. Educational Performances & Activities at the Hall The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in our schools and throughout our community. By offering free and discounted performances for students, outreach opportunities with artists and masterclasses, we help to leverage our creative assets to make a difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages. 2024-2025 Student Activities & Performances Thursday, March 27, 2025 11AM Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo Composer: Joe Illick, Librettist: Mark Campbell Program Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Program Time: Doors Open: 10:30a, Performance: 11:00a-12:00p 45 minute program with 5-10 minute Q&A at the end Short Summary: Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo is an interactive children’s opera composed by Joe Illick with libretto written by Mark Campbell. The story is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s. Mariana’s family encourages her to have her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariana is initially frightened, but is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household including a monkey, a parrot and a dog, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida’s life, and begins to understand the meaning of bravery. The opera is appropriate for ages 5-11. $5 Tickets. Student Pricing to Mainstage Performances Interested in bringing your class to a mainstage performance at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall! Many of our shows throughout the season have exclusive student pricing: Date & Time Performance Tickets Tuesday, February 4 Troy Chromatic Concerts presents Steven Isserlis, Cello Recital *pre-concert activity: Prelude Conversations $15 Student Tickets Sunday, March 9 APM: Considering Matthew Shepard $15 Student Tickets Friday, March 22 Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA $15 Student Tickets Thursday, March 27 [STUDENT MATINEE] Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Nina in el mundo $5 Tickets Wednesday, March 26 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy $15 Student Tickets Friday, March 28 Gaelic Storm $20 Student Tickets Ordering Tickets: Call or email Jessica Bowen, Director of Education & Outreach with your request. (518) 479-9623 or jessica@troymusichall.org Payment Payment is accepted by check, major credit card or BOCES purchase order and is due no later than 14 days in advance of each show. Reservations not paid by the 14-day deadline will be canceled. Changes and cancellations No refunds or exchanges will be made after the 14-day deadline. We cannot guarantee seating for additional students if the show is sold out, but will accommodate as best we can to ensure all students have a seat at the show! Please be sure to reserve seating for all teachers and chaperones in addition to students. If your school district is closed or dismisses early due to weather, a credit will be issued to your account for the cost of your tickets. Communication regarding cancellation must be received by our box office prior to the performance. ADA Accommodations Please advise the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall of accessible seating needs when the order is place so we can make arrangements prior to your arrival. Interested in learning more about educational opportunities for your students? Please Contact Jessica Bowen, Director of Education & Outreach at jessica@troymusichall.org or call (518) 629 - 4016. ETUDE Student Volunteer Program REGISTRATION FOR 2024-2025 is NOW OPEN! Click the link below to register. Etude participants develop the skills needed for today’s workforce while engaging in a fun, fast-paced work environment. Participating students will work amongst event staff team at performances throughout our season. Students involved in this year’s Etude Volunteer Program will have opportunities to participate in many more of the departments on site including: Box Office and Ticketing House Management and Merchandise Stage Crew and Backstage Sound and Lighting Front of House and Seating The Etude Program is a great way to explore different career paths in the arts. Join us! All registered students must attend an ORIENTATION before their first volunteer session. This is included in the arrival times for your first show, which you'll find on the sign up form below. Eligible students in Grades 9 - 12 and/or undergraduate students will: Fulfill community service credits; Enhance their resume with valuable experience; Pursue the development of personal and professional skills; Explore varying career paths in the arts.

A violinist and string teacher of 30 years of experience, I offer PD presentations for music teachers such as: "Troubleshooting String Technique Issues," "Jazz Composition in Middle School String Orchestra," "How to help your students manage Performance Anxiety." I also have presentations/workshops for string students, grades 3-12: "Vibrato: basics," "The Process of Sight Reading" In addition, I am available as a teacher coach for music teachers who are new to teaching string instruments (such as a band teacher who gets assigned strings in their school).

We offer writing workshops, motivational speaking, Basketball workshops from a former professional. Workshops* can be tailored to audiences at the Kindergarten level all the way up through the High school level. *Cultural Writing workshop *Motivational Speech *Basketball Skills Session (Played in NBA and Europe) *World Travel Experiences (Lived in over 15 different Countries) *Author visit: author of the book "Love" https://www.amazon.com/LOVE-Willie-Deane/dp/1633084671

Once Upon a Toon is a unique hybrid of storytelling with live cartoon illustrations. Multi-Emmy Award-winning cartoonist Joe Wos draws the stories as he tells them, in a lively and engaging program for all ages. Pulling from original stories and folktales with a twist, this live show is like watching a picture book being drawn before your very eyes. Each presentation includes a short guessing game, a how-to example, and two illustrated stories. Yielding between 15-20 drawings at every show. Best of all the illustrations stay with your school and may be displayed, auctioned, or even photocopied to share with students. Popular illustrated tales include Joe’s original pun-filled adventure “Don on the Farm” about a duck who longs to be a rooster, and with some help from his friends, they all help each other achieve their dreams! Joe also puts his unique spin on such classics as The Crowded House, How Turtle Flew South, How Elephant Got His Trunk, and many more.